Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS performance question...

Can any tell me if this lens would be capable of getting good quality photos in a low litght theatre type setting? Like in a play or dance recital or concert...no flash permitted. This is for my daughters dance recital. Can anyone show me examples please and thank you.

m.d.harper wrote in post #11609825Can any tell me if this lens would be capable of getting good quality photos in a low litght theatre type setting? Like in a play or dance recital or concert...no flash permitted. This is for my daughters dance recital. Can anyone show me examples please and thank you.

It really depends on how dark the setting is, but I think in most circumstances f/2.8 will work. What camera are you working with, and what do you feel like your "usable" ISO limit is? These are important factors on if you'll have enough light.

Seems to me that if your subject isn't moving (like sports shots would be), and if you have IS like the 70-200 2.8 IS does have, then you can get away with using slower shutter speeds. In that case the 2.8 should be sufficient to get the shot. Dancers on stage would make it more like sports as far as movement is concerned.As realmike15 said, how dark it is really plays into it.

m.d.harper wrote in post #11610317I will be using a 7D. The auditorium will be completely dark for the most part and the stage will be lit but not super bright...thank you to all that have replied so far.

The 7D has very good ISO performance, but without being there I don't know if anyone can tell you for sure whether f/2.8 will be enough. The stage being lit adequately would certainly help, but you'll need a decent shutter if you want to stop action (something the IS will not help you with).

I would rent one or buy one and see for yourself. You can always return it for something else if things don't work out. A zoom seems ideal, since I doubt you'll be able to move around much... so I would start there.

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